Opponents of immigration bill get louder

WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) -- Legislation perceived as amnesty for illegal immigrants has ignited grass-roots groups throughout the United States, it was reported Sunday.

The largest and loudest of the groups, NumbersUSA, reports soaring donations and an 81 percent membership increase since January, the Los Angeles Times said.

Groups like NumbersUSA are playing a larger role than ever in the immigration debate, which could come before the Senate again this week for a pass or fail vote on a bill, the Times said.

NumbersUSA President Roy Beck said he expects to rally the group's 419,000 activist members with dozens of e-mail alerts.

"We're in a war zone right now," said Beck, who touts his battle against pro-bill groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as "an amazing David-and-Goliath thing."

Most polls show U.S. residents are concerned about border security but favor allowing most illegal immigrants now in the country to gain legal status, the Times reported.